During episode 5 of Yes, Chef, Peter Richardson let his emotions take over in the kitchen. After leading his team to a victory in the previous challenge, the tides turned quickly for the young chef. Although he did not walk away with the win in this NBC food television program, Chef Peter appreciated the opportunity.
Unlike some other culinary competitions, Yes, Chef is as much about the journey as it is about impressing judges Jose Andres and Martha Stewart. Each of the competing chefs have personal flaws that are impeding their success.
When Chef Peter Richardson lost his chance at the title, his reaction was swift. Throughout his final episode, the cameras captured the essence of this food television program. Emotions can overwhelm even the most talented chefs.
After his elimination episode aired, Chef Peter Richardson answered some questions about his experience on Yes, Chef. When asked why he decided to put himself into this particular culinary competition, Chef Peter said, “I wanted to make a name for myself and have people know who I am. It can be hard as a young chef to get your foot in the door. Yes, Chef put my name out here, people were able to get to know me, and see what I can do as a chef.”
In comparison to the other Yes, Chef contestants, Chef Peter is at the beginning of his culinary career. While he might be younger than some of the other chefs, he said that everyone treated him with respect.
Specifically, Chef Peter said, “Being the young chef of the group, I did not feel separated from the group. Everyone was very welcoming and had a massive amount of respect for me. I really appreciated that.”
One of his high points from the show was the leadership challenge. When asked why he thought that he succeeded in this scenario, Chef Peter shared, “One of my mentors taught me how to teach people. I learned that it is never just you in the kitchen. It is your team. You have to respect the team in order to have a fully flowing kitchen.”
While the leadership challenge was a high, the final episode saw his temper get the best of him. Chef Peter reflected on that moment. He revealed that “I was so stuck in my head and focused on making that one dish. I could not let it go. I learned that sometimes you need to let things go because I am human and people make mistakes.”
Many chefs have learned that through mistakes that they can learn, adapt, and grow. It can be a simple execution issue or something bigger.
Looking back at the egg challenge, Chef Peter revealed that he would take a different approach. He shared, “If I could do it over again, I definitely would have done a French omelet. I said it to myself a million times. I thought that a French omelet was too easy, but that technique would have been awesome.”
Now that his time on Yes, Chef is done, Chef Peter Richardson has been quite busy. Currently, he is a kosher private chef and has had many bookings. He believes that the NBC food television show has helped his career.
Want to see more Yes, Chef. New episodes air every Monday night at 10/9c on NBC. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Peacock.